With the release today in cinemas nationally of the new film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s book, Swallows and Amazons, there is great excitement in Grasmere as the film’s stars stayed at one of the village’s leading hotels, Rothay Garden, during filming.

The film’s stars, including Kelly Macdonald, Rafe Spall, Jessica Hynes, Harry Enfield and Andrew Scott, stayed at Rothay Garden last summer, during which time they and the crew filmed on location widely across the Lake District, including Coniston and Derwentwater.

Chris Carss is the owner of Rothay Garden. “We had an enquiry from the film production unit about a small group booking, but never imagined we’d be hosting the stars of one of this year’s biggest releases”, he said. “Not since Miss Potter has the Lake District featured so prominently on the big screen, and we’re hoping that the whole country will see just how lovely this area is, and how it’s ideal for holidays and adventures”.

Rachel Tyson of Cumbria Tourism added “we are really excited about the release of this brand new adaptation of Swallows and Amazons, and look forward to welcoming many fans to visit the iconic locatons for themselves”.

The film’s Director, Philippa Lowthorpe, said “It was hugely important to me that we filmed Swallows and Amazons in the Lake District. We filmed on Coniston and Derwentwater, with Herbert Island doubling as the infamous Wildcat Island”. “The Lake District is more than just a location in the film, it’s as important as any lead character”, she added.

Guests staying at Rothay Garden this Summer can not only follow in the footsteps of their favourite actors within the hotel, its Garden Restaurant and Riverside Spa, but can also enjoy days out themed on Swallows and Amazons, by steaming to Arthur Ransome’s “Foot of the Lake” station on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, or visiting a reconstruction of Ransome’s writing room and a host of “Swallows” memorabilia at the Museum of Lakeland Life in Kendal.

Reservations at Rothay Garden can be made by telephoning the hotel on 01539 435334, or visiting its website at www.rothaygarden.com.